The Arena of the Golden Hart has been decorated with colors and patterns that invoke an Eurusi flavor; desert colors that very from sand and umber to the deep violet and blues of a setting sun across a barren landscape. Pillows and low tables, couches, lanterns are surrouned by banners and hanging fabrics weighted with beadwork.

The Arena area itself has been set up as an archery course, meant to be interchangeable as the event progresses. Currently, the targets set up are quite tradition, save for the fact that the target at the center is guarded by a collar of metal speared through with small spikes, making that coveted bullseye a challenge to an archer of any caliber.

After the competitors have arrived and have been offered seating and refreshment, attention is brought to the Champions' table and the Eurusi woman that sits there.

Bahiya stands and faces the general direction of the throng, raises her arms, a smile on her face beneath the ribbon that covers the blind woman's eyes.

"Friends! Honorable guests! Welcome to the Charity Refugee Archery Tournament. I am grateful you have chosen to attend, to donate your coin for the cause of the bereft and displaced, homeless and lost." She gestures to the Arena without turning towards it. "You will find here a target for each of you. Today, you compete for trade goods of ivory, steelsilk, and fireweave, as well as one of three coveted daggers created by Dame Ida Ferron herself, set with jade and incredibly fine."

Smiling brightly. "Please, Archers! Take your places!"


Desma enters, scanning her eyes around the arena as she heads in, wearing her Magnotta colours proudly, her bow in hand already as she readies herself.

Perhaps it was the pleasant spring evening on the walk over, but Edris seems to be in relatively high spirits as he steps into the room, his arm crooked so that Deva can be properly escorted as she walks beside him. The Elwood knight wears his best leathers, polished for a social occasion, looking about with interest at the crowd, perhaps seeking either host or where he should guide the participant. Though his expression remains properly reserved, there is perhaps a slight twinkle in his eye as he speaks quietly to the Redrain Princess. When the call for the archers to step forward is given, he smiles, uncrooking his arm, but not before offering the back of Deva's hand a chivalrous and light kiss before he steps back.

Blush has joined the upper rafters.

Katarina has joined the upper rafters.

Daria moves to take her place among the othe Archers, casually readying her bow to get prepared, seeming to judge the targets setup as she waits orders

Sometimes, an homage just simply Will Not Do. Patrizio Pravus is on time for the beginning of the tournament, hair perfectly in place and armour polished to a mirror sheen. He's waiting by when Bahiya's announcing the opening of the event, applauding when she's done speaking, though he's holding back for a few moments as if to greet those he recognizes, before making his way towards the champions' table as if to join Bahiya there. "I apologize for not being here before your remarks, your Excellency. But I did want you to know I'm here," he offers, as audible greeting.

When Mia arrives, it's as she so often does - at that brisk pace that strongly suggests it's generally unwise to be in her path. It is entirely likely that men and mountains both have moved themselves out of her way, if only to avoid being barreled over.

Wash has his feet up, a drink in his hand and seems intent on just watching today.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Artorius before departing.

Medeia has arrived to cheer on Haakon, who will be competing in the tournament. She finds a seat with a good vantage point and settles in.

Ian comes in a little before the beginning of the tournament. His features are set and stony, moreso than usual, and there's a subtle shadow across his electric blue eyes. The source of what's probably a fairly foul mood could be traced to the note that he's putting away in an inner pocket of his coat. Seeing his usual table occupied and Wash sitting at a different one, he goes to join his cousin.

Cinder, a tall and elegant sighthound with lustrous black fur arrives, following Mark.

Ripley's loping in with a floppy faced Keaton hound at his side. "You can't be on the grounds with me." He warns the dog, a leash on the dog so that he's not just going to walk off. He's having a problem with that. "Lets find you someone to sit with." The jeweler scanning the crowd, looking for a victi- err caretaker for the dog.

Princess Katarina Valardin is here, to support Bahiya's tournament, but she's not making a big show of it. She's concealed herself in the rafters among... well, maybe not /among/ the rabble, and maybe not /concealed/, because she's still very recognizably Princess Katarina Valardin. Still, this is Bahiya's show, and Katarina doesn't want to upstage it with her mountain of voluminous ringlet curls. (She could probably hide a second Katarina within her hair, it's gotten so long.) When Ida Ferron's work is invoked, Katarina enthusiastically applauds.

Deva is more or less usually a whirlwind of energy, but she seems to extra lively today with a bounce in her steps and a tight grip on her bow. Smiling fondly at Edris as he escorts her in, she dips her head at something he says and murmurs a quiet response. Then she bumps him with her elbow in a playful fashion before stepping onward to join the other competitors. "Ambassdor, a pleasure, thank you for hosting," she bids Bahiya with a bow for the hosts, Patrizio and any others at the table included. Then she busies herself with stretching her arms and tilting her head from side to side, loosening up before the show begins.

Mark has joined the upper rafters.

Blush enters alone, but with the brightest of smiles at his face as his gaze sweeps over the arena. He looks absolutely delighted in all of his colorful attire, and he quickly takes a hike to the upper rafters so he might have the best of vantage points. Sometime after, he spies a familiarly tall figure enter, and his arm lifts to wave. "Mark! Up here!" He keeps waving, even when/if Mark acknowledges him.

Watching those that arrive, Nazmir happens to spot Deva being escorted in on the arm of Edris and there's a grin that darts to his lips. A hand is lifted to give a wave in her direction, only for him to then call out, "Cousin, I heard that you were going to be competing and I couldn't help but tell the Princess Renata that you're going to beat all those from Pravus." A quirk of his lips to a smile, "So ... good luck!" He's then looking about as others arrive, giving a little lift of his hand and a wriggle of fingers to those that he knows.

Mia has left the raised seating.

Sunaia arrives with her servant Parker, walking in the same effortless gait, and whispering together. There is quite the crowd inside with groups forming around by the tables. She tucks something away in a pack and looks around for a place to watch the competition.

Deva upnods at Nazmir and Renata, grinning suddenly and mischievously. "I hope you bet a lot! Or alternatively, I hope you bet nothing! One or the other," she announces with a cheerful laugh. "Thank you. Remember to duck!"

Vitalis appears, as Vitali are wont to do, from somewhere he'd been lurking. Looming? Hiding? Observing? Whatever the intent, here he is, turning attention now to the range and the targets. He finds his and steps up, rolling his shoulders to loosen up before they begin.

His escort duty done, Edris looks about for one of the better spots for viewing that isn't already claimed. Something Deva says before she leaves for the competitor's area, makes a more unguarded smile blossom on his lips as he replies, and then turns to make his way towards the rafters.

Alis has left the corner table.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, 10 Valardin Knights leave, following Alis.

Desma wields Raptor's Revenge, the exquisite wings of Magnotta diamondplate bow.

Mia wields Heron's Shadow, the steadfast diamondplate archer's bow.

Caspian rushes in, only just moments late this time. the quiver and bow he carry look suspiciously like the training gear from the Hart's stores. He wears a grin on his face as he waves merrily to people he recognizes. "oh this is a fantastic turnout!"

Patrizio offers up a grin to Deva when he notices her, and a respectful dip of his head as well. The jade eyes then slide easily aside to see who else is going to be competing, though there's a smirk when he hears Nazmir's statement, and there's a sigh that slides from him. "Your Highness," he calls out with warmth, "that sounds as if you wish lay a bet as to the matter."

Haakon arrives in time to hear the last of the hostess' opening remarks. Though the prodigal scarcely ever ventures out of his hall unarmored, he has shed helm, shield, and gloves for the day, moving toward where archers are bid step, stringing a very unremarkable bow once in position. Rather than carrying a quiver, the reaver has a bundle of arrows pushed through his belt at an angle, heads to the topside.

Edris has joined the upper rafters.

Pasquale moves towards the archers preparation area when Bahiya calls for the archers to step forward. Theres a slight edge of nervous energy about him overlaid with confident purpose. A glance is cast Sunaia's way, a small smile offered, and then he turns his attention to his bow and starts doing a serious of probably unncessary checks.

Artorius has been here for a bit prior to the official start of the tournament, likely to get the good seats at the bar where he's closest to the refills and the barkeep. He's sitting in a relaxed fashion, half twisted on the barstool with an elbow propped up on the edge of the bar, looking toward the competition and those who are entering. He doesn't look like he's entering but is here in some way to support those who are.

Caspian spies Wash and Ian at the ringside table and heads over to plop down with a smile

Caspian has joined the ringside table.

Renata takes a seat quietly next to Nazmir at their table. She's giving a warm smile to all those around she's familiar with. When Nazmir calls out to Deva she's wiggling her fingers in a wave towards the Redrain Princess. "Yes you cousin Nazmir here has agreed to my deal of doubling our bet if one or the other wins. But I assure him you've alot of Pravosi to beat." She grins.

Tesha wasn't planning on attending, but is convinced to at the last moment. The Telmar lady finds a place to settle herself to where she can watch the archers comfortably, but she doesn't make a move to interrupt anyones conversations for the moment.

Tikva wields Singer's Measure.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Ian before departing.

Haakon wields common bow.

A laugh falls past Nazmir's lips at Deva's comment, only to follow it up with, "May have been a decent amount. But it's all going to the charity, regardless." Then, he's catching Patrizio's comment and he's turning his gaze in that direction, a grin tugging to his lips in the process, "You Cousin, Princess Renata, has already laid a bet at my feet, Your Highness. Though I'm happy to conduct another, so long as the proceeds of the bet go to the charity."

Wash nods to Capian and shakes his head.

Vitalis wields a blessed diamondplate bow with an earthen green leather grip.

Mia makes her way down to the arena, her bow slung over one shoulder and a quiver strapped to her back. Though the bow she wields is unquestionably a fine one, the normally bright diamondplate appears to have been treated to make it a much more subtle thing.

The messenger who turns up at the ringside table about the same time as Caspian actually shrinks away from the look Ian gives her when she gets close. She holds the message out to him and, with a curse, he takes it, reads it, and then looks up. "Tell her I'll bear that in mind," he snaps, before putting the second note away with the first.

Mark also enters alone, scanning the crowds and looking for one face in particular. There's some waving motion happening his peripheral vision, sort of, a little bit up. He turns his head and follows it until his sights land on Blush, "But why?" he wonders, because he has to get up there now. Which he will, without tripping or anything like that.

"What are your terms then, your highness?" Patrizio steps away from the Champions' table to draw closer to where Renata and Nazmir are, with that warm laugh of his, and there's a shake of his head for Renata herself. "Is this to be my punishment for missing the auction?" Those jade eyes twinkle before he turns back to Nazmir. "What were you thinking, in terms of a bet? The proceeds being for the charity are perfectly amenable in my mind."

1 Iron Guardsmen, 3 Black Fleet Reavers, Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven arrive, following Raven.

Raven has joined the ringside great table.

Bahiya has joined the Champions' table.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Bahiya before departing.

Ian's mood is visibly dark enough that when the staff swing by the ringside table with drinks, they leave a whole damned bottle of whiskey. And glasses and stuff, obviously.

At the mention of terms, Nazmir slides his gaze over in the direction of Deva, only to then look back over towards Patrizio, that grin tugging back to his lips, "I'm going to wager, Your Highness, that my Cousin happens to beat out everyone else." He looks to Renata and then back over towards Patrizio, "If I'm wrong, I'll triple my original donation. But if I'm right, you must match Princess Renata's donation to charity."

Teodor arrives with an exquisite bronze-detailed lute carried over his back, secured by way of a leather strap. He's dressed stylishly in a dark green doublet, but there's an artfully ruffled casualness to his appearance. Without any further ado, he makes his way over to a place where he can watch the event without getting accidentally pierced in the skull by wayward arrows.

Patrizio briefly purses his lips as he's weighing Deva, and then there's the glance back to Nazmir and Renata. "Should I /ask/ what you wagered, cousin?" He asks Renata with the hint of a grin.

Desma tightens the straps on her armour and checks her bracers before spying Artorius in the crowd and raising her bow in salute to him before getting herself set.

"You're all making me nervous," Deva scoffs at Patrizio and Nazmir and Renata and laughs, but also turns her back to them so she can not watch them place bets on or against her!

Raven slips ion fashionably late and avoiding any stormclouds on the way, chewing her bottom lip and looking for sunnier seating. Spotting Daria she moves to join the other womannwith a fingerwave before settling beside her.

Desma has joined the ringside great table.

Teodoro has joined the ringside great table.

Edris seems content to settle on the end of one of the benches for a bird's eye view, his demeanor relaxed. And somewhere in his walk, he seems to have collected a tankard with a dark ale in it. Thus comfortably seated, and while the course is being settled, he glances towards the crowd, and sees Mark making his way up. He lifts his tankard to him in a little salute, before taking a swig.

Renata looks up from conversing with Nazmir to see Patrizio. There is a wide grin along her face. "Cousin!" She stands up greeting him, "I was planning on donating 100,000 silver... that is the starting bet." She grins, "Mayhap your highness. " She remarks to Patrizio. "I do love being charitable."

Only when Mark is without normal talking distance does Blush stop the waving, his smile wide as he gestures to a seat beside him. "We can see everything from up here," he explains, as if he had heard the 'but why?' from below. He hadn't. But he knows the look on his friend's face well enough that his explanation is needed. "Although it might make it more difficult to see the arrows, I admit," he realizes in hindsight, but with a shrug, the damage is done and he claims his seat as the archery contestants prepare themselves.

Daria is stretching and preping to prepare for the archery tournament. She waves to Desma and Raven and anyone else she knows.

"Please. I've known you too long to think of you being nervous in a contest, your highness," Patrizio offers back to Deva with a broad smile, and the dip of his head, before he's considering Nazmir and Renata at the news of the wager. And then the dip of his head. "Consider it wagered. Such a sum for the refugees is hardly too large a lift."

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at normal. Pasquale is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at normal. Critical Success! Pasquale is spectacularly successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at normal. Pasquale is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at normal. Pasquale marginally fails.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at normal. Pasquale is successful.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at normal. Desma is successful.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at normal. Desma marginally fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at normal. Desma marginally fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at normal. Desma is successful.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at normal. Desma is successful.

"You got this, Cousin! If not, I'm expecting a giant barrel of whiskey to be delivered later!" A grin is flashed by Nazmir, even though Deva isn't going to see it. He's then looking back to Renata and then to Patrizio, beaming smile coming to life as he dips his head in agreement, "Fantastic. And as you said, it is for the refugees, so there are no losers as a result."

Daria checks dexterity and archery at normal. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at normal. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at normal. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at normal. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at normal. Daria is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Deva is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at normal. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at normal. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at normal. Caspian marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at normal. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at normal. Caspian marginally fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at normal. Vitalis fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at normal. Vitalis marginally fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at normal. Vitalis marginally fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at normal. Vitalis is successful.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at normal. Vitalis fails.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at normal. Botch! Haakon fails badly.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at normal. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at normal. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at normal. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at normal. Haakon is successful.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at normal. Ripley marginally fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at normal. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at normal. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at normal. Ripley marginally fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at normal. Ripley marginally fails.

Daria lines up her shots, preping five arrows to shoot and smiles as all five hit their targets, not worried how everyone else is doing

Mia checks dexterity and archery at normal. Mia is successful.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at normal. Critical Success! Mia is spectacularly successful.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at normal. Mia is successful.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at normal. Mia marginally fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at normal. Mia is successful.

Pasquale gives a small nod when his name is called out and looks to the targets. He takes his sweet time to check each arrow and eyeball the targets before sweeping through the shots in a single hurried moment. He barely even seems to be taking the shots into account as he goes through the process and when he looks up at the end to truly consider how good his scoring is there is a brief flicker of mild surprise.

Patrizio laughs again, offering a brief dip of his head to Nazmir and his cousin Renata once more, before he's making his way along the edge of the arena, watching the goings-on out on the sands to be sure, but also doing the part of making sure to greet guests who've come out for the spectacle of skill that's unfolding. He does, briefly, pause over by Wash and Ian, murmuring something, as he continues on his rounds.

Medeia gives a small nod of greeting in the direction of Blush and Mark before turning her attention back to the competition as it begins. She is happy, as evidenced by the smile on her face, to see many of the competitors.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Tikva is successful.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Botch! Tikva fails completely.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Tikva fails.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Critical Success! Tikva is spectacularly successful.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at normal. Critical Success! Tikva is spectacularly successful.

Edris watches the competition begin, applauding along with others as each archer looses their volley of arrows. However, after Deva's last one, he raises two fingers to his lips and whistle/cheers quite loudly, that seems more appropriate for a rowdier crowd. Luckily, hey, since it's coming from the high rises, maybe it's not totally obvious who did it.

Deva steps up and... it's not bad! It's not awesome, but it's not bad. She is strangely consistent about her shots. They hit. They don't hit dead center, but they all hit, and no one ends up bleeding out. When it's over, she twists her lips to one side, contemplative, as if trying to decide what she can do better next time. "Maybe I should've had a shot beforehand..." she squints a bit, and turns as if to look for whiskey, somewhere. Anywhere.

Vitalis steps up to his target with five arrows at the ready. He should have brought more, because the first misses. The second and third barely hit. The fourth finds the target, the last also misses. He glowers down range and waits to go collect his errant arrows, lips moving as he does.

Caspian stands on the line, holding the bow in the wrong hand and looking down range. "5 shots...5 shots... how bad can this be?" he chuckles, looks around, notes the way others are holding their bows and quickly swaps. he sets himself, pouring the arrows out on the sand. he picks up the first, nocks it, raises it up to 'sight' down the arrow and slowly pulls back, trying to keep it aligned. the sight would be painful for anyone who knew the first thing of archery. but miraculously.. the arrow hit the target! "HAH!! what luck!!" he tried again, and again the gods granted him luck. the third arrow, the string caught his arm and he whooped in pain, shaking his arm hard. the last two he simply pulled, closed his eyes after 'aiming' and released. despite ALL odds. one actually hit.

Desma wrinkles her nose as she nocks, draws and looses her arrows one after another at her target to mixed success. Three thud home securely while the other two hit non-scoring sections. "Damn it," she mutters, clearly unhappy with her performance.

As Mia's name is called, she lines up before her assigned targets, considering them with narrowed eyes. They're stationary things, and yet she seems to take a moment to size them up as though one of them might suddenly move on her. Then she exhales and begins to let loose at a steady pace, one shot after another. What she may lack in preternatural grace, she makes up for in technique. Apparently, at one point or another, someone took the time to train the Marquessa extensively.

Haakon steps to the line when his turn arrives, nocks an arrow to the string, and releases. The first arrow splits at the nock when loosed, robbing the shit of any force and resulting in the arrow falling well short of the mark. Head canted to a curious angle, Haakon spares a moment when drawing the next arrow out of the belt to eye the nock, before setting it, bending the bow and firing. His next four shots strike the mark respectably, but that first shot was atrocious.

Ian exchanges a few words with Patrizio when he passes by. He's taking advantage of the bottle of whiskey dropped off at the table where he's sitting, having filled a glass and attacking it with a Kennex-esque vengeance.

Much like with the jousting, Ripley is out of his element. The Jeweler is a jeweler after all. He's used to making small things, not throwing small things. So when it's turn, Ripley with his really brand new bow that looks like it's suited for someone who's not at all invested their life in the sport/way of life/defense. Toad's sitting with some folks Ripley knows and when it's his turn, the shaggy haired young man ambles over. "FOR TOAD!" He yells and then sets about to firing arrows.... at the ground near the target. Somewhat near the target. Another one went off but thankfully and luckily, didn't hit anyone. The Jeweler just sighs. "Can't be that lucky all the time." Then goes back to his place to watch the others in awe.

Nazmir's watching as the contestants begin to take their shots and when Deva gets up and is pretty damn consistent, he's got nothing to really complain about. Doesn't stop him from yelling out, "Good showing, Cousin!" Of course, he slinks just a little bit in his seat, scooping up his glass of wine as he looks to Patrizio and then to Renata, grin tugging to his lips, "I'm thinking my purse is going to be /quite/ a bit lighter by nights end."

Raven settles down with a bottle of rum, seated by herself somewhere with a clear view of the archers in action. Nursing her rum as the archers daggle her with their skill. Occasionally archers she knows will get a thumbs up from her good hand if their gaze land her way.

Erik leans a bit to the side for a better viewing angle, taking special care to take note of the scores and their announcement. A few words are being exchanged on a quick wager and he smiles, satisfied with the results so far.

"Hey, at least it's going to the best charity!" Deva calls out to Nazmir, only now looking at him with a shrug and a relaxed, easy grin. "Can't smoke 'em all. Those were some damn good shots," she notes, with glances toward Pasquale, and Mia, and Tikva. The latter she is most familiar with gets a fond pat on the back as she sliiiides out of the way for those up to shoot next.

Sunaia begins to walk towards the ringside table only to spot the leaving messenger and see Ian's face. A hopeful smile fades, and she whispers something to Ian before turning her attention to the contest. Timing seizes her though. Pasquale's turn gets a round of applause from the snowy lady, reversing the previous expression with admiration.

Wash salutes Patrizio with his drink. "Firmly in second place Prince Patrizio. I appreciate the sentiment."

2 Telmarine Guards have been dismissed.

Cale, the Highhill War Hound pup have been dismissed.

Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound have been dismissed.

From the upper rafters, a distinctly Dune Kingdoms-accented voice -- well, maybe with a bit of Oathlands to it, sharply whistles and then calls out, "WOOOOO, PRINCESS DEVA--!" The culprit goes unseen, because Katarina is at the back of the crowd and is very short.

Pasquale gives Deva a small almost shy smile when she praises his, and the others, shots. "It makes all the practice worth it. You shot well also."

Renata cheers on those from her house, before she looks back to Nazmir.."Mmm yes quite a bit lighter." She giggles, before sipping her wine.

Tikva's first shot is respectable. Her second -- snaps her bowstring and she hits herself in the face. She has to spend a moment restringing it, attempting to look less like a total idiot, and the sting of blood across her cheekbone where the string snapped is - she is pretending that she has not lost her dignity. The _rest_ of her firing looks pretty good, at least, once she gets in the swing of it.

As Deva looks her way, Mia offers the woman a faint, flickering something of an expression that may or may not pass for a smile depending on how generous any onlookers might be in their definition. But it is accompanied by a quick curtsy, apparently forgetting that she's clad in leathers rather than one of her gowns. "Your Highness. Thank you. Please send Riven's best to your mother, when you see her next?"

While he says a few words to Sunaia in a dry, humorless tone of voice, Ian eyes the storm of arrows that are flying... pretty much everywhere. You know, just in case.

Vitalis grimaces anew at his shots as the round wraps up, trying to block out the cheers and hollering floating from the stands. Block out the be-feathered targets of the other competitors. Focus, man, focus. He takes a deep breath and squints, staring down range.

Desma looks to Daria next to her and gestures with her bow at Daria's target. "Good grouping there!"

"Thank you Lady Desma, it's harder with a huge audience," Daria muses as she prepares for the next round

Teodoro until this point has been watching the competition with quiet admiration of the more precise shots on show. When the archers are not lining up shots, he applauds politely -- but *only* then, because it'd be a shame if he's the cause of someone getting their eye poked out by a misfired arrow. He does send a brief curious glance up the rafters when he hears that Oathlandsy yelling, but he goes back to observing the archers just as quickly.

Caspian looks to Daria and desma with a massive grin and points down range at his haphazardly hit target , "look! i hit it! its a big deal for me"

The arrow riddled targets are divested of their ammunition, brought back to the competitors as the arena is clear and more targets are brought to replace them.

These targets are much different than the typical canvas-draped hay bales. A 'tree' has been crafted to hold in each carved branch an apple, five in total. The apples are in various stage of visibility but they can be seen by each competitor; this is meant to be a difficult challenge, with only one arrow to each apple, there is no margin for error.

Bahiya, when she's told everything is ready, addresses the competitors.

"Archers! An apple per arrow! Are you up to the challenge?" She grins. "Please, take your places!"

"Outnumbered!" comes the good-natured shout from Blush at the upper rafters before he's talking animatedly with the others at the benches in a much more acceptable volume.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Critical Success! Pasquale is spectacularly successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Pasquale marginally fails.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Pasquale fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at hard. Critical Success! Desma is spectacularly successful.

a stern-faced servant in a gray and green cloak arrives, delivering a message to Mark before departing.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at hard. Desma marginally fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at hard. Desma is successful.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at hard. Desma marginally fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at hard. Desma fails.

Raven pauses and reconsiders where she's sitting as if perhaps wondering how she found an seat that wasn't crowded and belatedly realizing that MIGHT have been for good reason that no one chose to sit there.

Ian motions to the table where he and Caspian are sitting while still talking with Sunaia. "Join us if you want. The rest of the company is at least pretty good."

Daria checks dexterity and archery at hard. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at hard. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at hard. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at hard. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at hard. Daria fails.

The arena full to bursting with archers testing their talents and a happy crowd an likely be heard all the way to Hart's main hall. Valencia arrives in good cheer, dark eyes smiling to see so many enjoying the event. Brief words shared with a few of her staff and the raven haired woman drifts on into the crowd offering warm welcomes and smiles for all she encounters.

Wash says, "The rest being everyone other than me."

Deva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Deva fails.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Deva marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at hard. Caspian fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at hard. Botch! Caspian fails completely.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at hard. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at hard. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at hard. Caspian fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at hard. Vitalis is marginally successful.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at hard. Vitalis is successful.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at hard. Vitalis fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at hard. Vitalis is successful.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at hard. Vitalis marginally fails.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Botch! Haakon fails completely.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Botch! Haakon fails completely.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Haakon is successful.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at hard. Ripley marginally fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at hard. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at hard. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at hard. Ripley marginally fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at hard. Ripley fails.

Sunaia nods at Wash with an impish grin as she sits, "He left you out of that acknowledgement, then, didn't he?"

Mia checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mia is successful.

Sunaia has joined the ringside table.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mia is successful.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mia is successful.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mia fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mia is successful.

Daria fires off her next five arrows, frowning when one falls short but seems to shale it off and breathe to prep for the next round. Daria seeks to have a deterimed focus on the targets

Tikva shouts from nearby, "Yeah let's make some APPLESAUCE."

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Tikva is successful.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Tikva is successful.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Tikva fails.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Tikva is successful.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at hard. Tikva is successful.

Patrizio continues to make his way around, to greet where he might, before he's making his way back towards the Champions' table, as if he might also check on Bahiya and how she is being kept abreast of the things transpiring out on the sandy floor. Though he does notice Valencia's arrival as well, offering a warm smile to her and a dip of his head, his palm pressed to that gleaming breastplate of his as he makes a reverence to her.

At first, Deva is on a roll! And then... not so much. Her first three arrows fly true, each stabbing a juicy apple. Her fourth misses entirely, and the fifth just narrowly scrapes by, not close enough to count. She frowns at herself, scuffing the toe of her boot as she circles away. She leans against the railing to watch the others, clearly making mental notes.

Nazmir grins in the direction of Renata, only to turn his attention back over in the direction of the archers. When Deva takes her shots, there's a faint little gasp that escapes past his lips, along with a shake of his head and he can't help but call out, "Uh oh, Cousin! You left some some apples there for people to eat! Quick, fetch me one!" Oh, now it's just good natured ribbing against a family member.

"Cousin, someday you will come home to find all your furniture upside-down," Deva threatens Nazmir, waggling an arrow at him.

The contest with the apple tree has Edris quite intrigued, as he chats with those around him in the high seats, his ale almost gone. Still, there's yet clapping for each competitor at the conclusion of each volley. And yet again a squire's loud rowdy whistle for Deva.

Vitalis takes a deep breath, inhale, exhale, watching as the targets are replaced with trees-and-apples. He purses his lips and studies the new arrangement, cocking his head this way, then that. "Are there apples in Eurus?" An errant thought, struck and spoken, "I've never considered it. Huh." He tongues his teeth, then lines up his shots, hitting more than he misses this time. A success unto itself.

Pasquale studies the trees and the apples with that same unhurried precision. Each arrow is lifted, checked, and then set back until he finds just the one he wants. Again his shot is quick and again the first shot hits soundly. Better than soundly actually. An eyebrow lifts slightly and he goes for a second arrow. Whatever magic guided that first doesn't imbue the second though as the arrow barely scrapes the apple. The third and fourth strike it. But the fifth, fired by an obviously tiring archer, thuds into the tree instead of the apples. In those quiet moments after the shooting though, whilst he's trying to pretend he's not at all tired really, he seems rather pleased.

Tikva looks fairly pleased with herself following her second round of performance. She bounces a little on her heels, looking energized.

As the tree is brought out, both of Mia's dark brows shoot up in surprise. But there's also a sparkle of amusement at the new challenge and she murmurs, "Well, at least they aren't balanced on anyone's heads." And then her lips purse, and she once again lines up her first shot. Three in a row land true and each mark brings a hint of added confidence, of added speed, to the next. Too much, though, as her fourth shot misses entirely. That apple is frowned at for a moment, and then another, but she takes more care with her final arrow. Lesson learned, at least for now.

Apples! Ripley perks up at the apples to hit. When it's his turn again and with that bow of his, he's stepping forward. "For Toad" This more to himself as the man opts to close one eye now and squint at the targets. All that fruit.

All that fruit that after five attempts remains still on it's tree and the trunks and limbs littered with his arrows. "Gods damnit!" Ripley curses, as not another arrow hits home and he turns, a little dark glower on his face and goes back to his place.

"How does blaming the Gods help?!" Wash heckles.

"He's asking the gods to damn his bow or something," Ian heckles Wash right back.

Caspian closed his eyes and winced as the targets came out. he actually had to lean forward slightly to make sure he could see them clearly enough. he cleared his throat, "well.. on the bright side im roughly in the middle of the pack so.. arows sould hit the back wall before the stands." The first arrow thudded into the sand, well before the target, "oh right.. i have to draw ALL the way back." he hoisted the bow, grabbed the string and HEAVED! The bow was truly not made for him or a man his size. with a snap, the bow string broke, this arrow getting tossed wildly into the air as he flailed. the errant string left a stinging red mark across his cheek and arm as the hart's staff rushed out to swap strings. he stood, rubbing his cheek and glaring at the bow. "traitor.." The next arrows went down range, and as in in repentance, two actually found their mark!

Wash says, "That -definitely- won't help him shoot better."

Desma's first arrow causes an apple to explode and she lets out a hiss of triumph before the second caresses an apple, the third impales one, the fourth copies the result of the second and, her concentration rattled, she misses the last apple. "Gah! You can do better than this Desma," she grumbles to herself, shaking her fingers out in turn.

Raven winces sympathetically as Capsian gets bow-slapped.

Patrizio is easy to spy, that remarkable hair and the smile for her His gesture is returned. A warm spark of a smile follows along with a graceful bow of her head to him -- Valencia's own hand falling to rest upon her chest in echo to his. A warm nod is offered to the Lords of Kennex, Lord Ian and Lord Wash. Another graceful nod offered to them both and soft words spoken to see another bottle sent to their table before pausing to watch the archer's seeking to make their mark upon the sands.

A deep laugh falls past Nazmir's lips at Deva's threat and the waggle of an arrow and he's calling out, "You're just saving all the good shots for the last round. I got you!" A grin is tugged to his lips and he's looking over towards Ripley, "Good try!" His glass of wine is then brought to his lips, a small sip taken before it's lowered back down.

There is a little sudden realization from the Pravus Princess that the Prosicipi whom was supposed to be here, wasn't competing and in that moment Renata looks to Nazmir before squinting eyes. She leans in to whisper something to him before slowly bringing her wine to her lips but says nothing afterwards.

Haakon is returned his arrows, searches through them for the one with the split nock, and snaps the head off it, so he doesn't fire it again by mistake. The arrowhead is dropped into a pouch, and he gets a fresh arrow out to replace it. Nocking his first arrow with a wry sniff, he takes aim and... misses horribly. Eyes narrow as he watches it wobble in the air and veer off target with the telltale flight of a shaft that cracked on firing. "Bloody Abyss," the reaver mutters, resolving to forget his ill luck and move right on.. On the second apple shot, a fletching rips loose and it curves badly off target in the OTHER direction. An incredulous grunt. "Damnation! Did I kick a priest?" He pauses while nocking the third arrow- turning he calls to Medeia, as if serious: "Did I kick a priest?" Sure, his last three shots strike apples, but those first two could not haslve missed by more unless he were facing the wrong way.

Sunaia is trying to rescue her table from the the rain cloud hovering over it. She watches her husband manage another solid round of successful aiming, and cheers him on loudly. There is a beat of pause in her clapping, and she pushed a glass belonging to someone else at the table towards Wash with encouragement. Then she clapped again, and even snickers for Haakon's utterances. Someone was taking it all very well.

Raven finally decides maybe it's prudent to rise and does so, taking a moment while the archers reknock to find....safer....seating, bottle in hand.

The heckle from the crowd seems to shrink the jeweler in on himself more and he looks to Nazimir but slumps his shoulders more inward.

Wash doesn't mind drinking whatever Sunaia has put in front of him. He levels a wink in her direction. "I like you. You get me."

Patrizio makes faint faces as he's watching the archers, the expressions saying it all - the soldier within him is frankly simply glad to not be having to show what skill he does or doesn't have out on the sands. There's a commiserating glance at Haakon's muttering... and then he's easing from where he stands by the Champions' table to move to where the Hostess of the Hart is standing, reaching out to take her hand in his. "Come," he says quietly, with a chuckle - lifting that hand to his lips briefly to kiss the back of it - before he's using that hold to draw her with him, back towards the sands. "You should be enjoying this too, your highness, as I think your staff has matters of hosting well in hand." There's not a notice, for his part, of whether or not his wager with Nazmir's going well...

The final challenge.

The artificial trees are taken away and replaced ... with a row of axes.

The axes are arranged to create a tunnel of forged metal, with the archers across the arena at one end. At the other?

A very small target.

While before, every archer had their own bale or tree, there is only one target here.

Bahiya beams at them. "The last challenge!" She gestures. "You will take your five arrows and have five chances to shoot through the openings of the lined up axes." Certainly, the axes lined up reveals a perfect path through the carved opening at the back half of every axe, to the small target at the end. It's a daunting task. "Take your places please!"

Tikva squeals and laughs and goes, "Oh gods, we're doomed," before kissing the curve of her bow, and moving to get ready, her nose crinkling with a brilliant light in her eyes.

At the heckling from the crowd, and the slumping from Riply, Mia lowers her voice down to a quiet murmur that won't stretch very far beyond the actual arena itself.

Mia mutters, "... it's ... consolation Mister ... ... was entirely serious ... I told my first archery ... that my only ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... probably ... ... that ... ... ... 'or ..."

Sunaia looks very pleased to puzzle out on Kennex at the table. "I try. Else you might charge me double for lessons." She teases but her gaze moves to the daunting challenge still drinking heavily with a scowl.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Pasquale marginally fails.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Pasquale is marginally successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Pasquale is successful.

Vitalis squints as the next and last targets are brought out. He draws a breath in that makes his leathers creak and exhales it in a gusty sigh. He skims past Ripley on the way, murmuring.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Pasquale fails.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Pasquale fails.

Renata arches a brow towards the tunnel of axes, a soft sigh and shake of head, "Oh, that's a tough one. Well, sorry Naz, you might've won against me by default, but.. not looking so good against my cousin." she grins, teasing the man. A hand goes to take the glass of wine along the table and swirling the liquid around before taking a sip, and then she leans in to whisper something else to Nazmir.

Raven has left the ringside great table.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Desma fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Desma is successful.

Raven has joined the raised seating.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Desma fails.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Desma is successful.

Desma checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Desma fails.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Daria marginally fails.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Daria is successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Critical Success! Daria is spectacularly successful.

Daria checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Daria fails.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Deva fails.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Botch! Deva fails completely.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Deva is successful.

Deva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Deva is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Caspian fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Caspian marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Caspian fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Critical Success! Caspian is spectacularly successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Caspian marginally fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Vitalis fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Vitalis fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Vitalis fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Vitalis fails.

Vitalis checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Vitalis marginally fails.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Haakon fails.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Haakon fails.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Haakon is successful.

Haakon checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Haakon fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Ripley fails.

Ripley checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Ripley fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Mia fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Mia marginally fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Mia marginally fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Mia marginally fails.

Mia checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Mia marginally fails.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Tikva marginally fails.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Tikva fails.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Tikva fails.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Tikva is successful.

Tikva checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Tikva fails.

Nazmir eyes the axes as they are lined up and then he's lowering his head, banging his forehead off the table once or twice before lifting it back up to flash a grin in the direction of Renata, "Nooo, your cousin has gotten me fair and square on this one." A curl of his lips and he turns his attention to the room, looking for Patrizio and when he finds him, he's calling out, "Congratulations, Your Highness. It seems that you win our little wager!"

Daria readies her final shot, five final arrows. Daria breathes and releases her arrows one at a time two hitting their targets, two falling short and one landing on the bullseye. She seems mostly pleased as she waits for the end

Wash whistles at Caspian's one success. "There you go Wilde!!"

Several of Tikva's arrows explode in showers of splinter against the axes but she manages ultimately to get a single arrow through the gauntlet and from her triumphant WHOOP she absolutely thinks ONE SUCCESS is ENOUGH SUCCESS.

For a moment, Valencia looks as though she just might argue with the gallant prince of Pravus, but a quick glance across the vast arena certainly provides excellent evidence that her staff does indeed have all well in hand.

A smile comes for Patrizio and Valencia nods to his invitation,"At your pleasure, my dear highness," she intones warmly under the merry din of the competition. "Congratulations on a very successful event. I am so thrilled to see so many in attendance and competing she smiles to the busy crowd and back. "I trust all is well? Again, should you or the Ambassador want for anything, my Hart is yours. Ask and we shall see you well cared for, yes?" she assures as she moves to walk beside him.

The look Pasquale gives this strange target is dubious to say the least. His eyes flicker over the targets, then over his arrows and then over the targets again. A half step is taken back as he tries to work out his best angles and then he seems to just accept that all of the angles are awful and thats kind of the point. He murmurs something under his breath and then works on his first shot. Almost. Again he spends a lot of time preparing before once again stepping forward. His near-success seemingly bolstering his courage. This one gets most of the way through the tunnel before failing. On the right path here. Another try.. and whilst this one isn't perfect there is nothing wrong with it. He nods slightly and starts preparing the last shots. Like in the last round he seems to struggle a little with the power of his bow.. Perhaps thats why his last two shots strike axes rather than the tunnel inbetween. Or perhaps its just that its a horribly difficult shot and the wind didn't approve. Either way he seems.. reasonably content. His eyes scanning the targets off in the distance before he gives a small nod and starts packing up.

Tikva shouts from nearby, "AHAHAHA I GOT IT."

Deva hits at first. She seems surprised, looks around, and then tries again. It misses. Eyes narrowing, she steps up for a third, and literally trips on herself as she fires. It knocks someone's glass off a table. It takes her a second to shake off the pain. The shame will linger forever. Now she looks -pissed- off, jaw tight, and the last two arrows are fired successfully but also with an undercurrent of rage at her own performance. She stalks away to berate herself under her breath, but takes care to applaud for all the shots after, too.

Artorius has left the bar.

Ezekiel the Crownlands Shepherd, 2 Sea Rover Bodyguards leave, following Artorius.

Haakon peers at the row of axes, bending to stare through the rings in each piece of steel. "Huh," he grunts appreciatively as the challenge is laid out. "Like something out of a hero's epic," he muses. "Fine bloody challenge, this." A nod and he takes the time in which others shoot to make very sure he has five arrows left without bad nocks, fletches, heads, or shafts. Seriously, inspect your gear before showing up at the range, kids. Three of his shots are fouled in flight, his aim just barely off, but two of his arrows clear the axe eyes, and reach their mark.

Ripley looks to Mia from under the shaggy long ginger bang and just sighs. "I'd probably miss the teacher." He mutters a look to Vitalis when he eases by and murmurs something. But the damage is done. Fragile ego that is the thornburn jeweler. When it's his turn he looks like he might not go, he lingers where he's standing. But he shuffles forward and it's a half hearted attempt. The arrows don't even make it near the axes, just sinking into the ground. Lips press together in a scowl and he's heading back to his spots further dejected.

"What matters most is that the refugees win. And do not think that I should not make the donation regardless," Patrizio calls back to Nazmir in answer, with a laugh, when he's conveying Valencia towards that Champions' table, and he's smiling to her with a shake of his head. "You worry too much, my highness," he says back to her, even as they're getting once more settled, and he's briefly peeking at this new, more daunting challenge... before he lets a breath free. "All is very well, though I think I should let the Ambassador speak for herself, rather than doing so for her. Excellency?" And with that, there's clearing of his throat, so Bahiya know that they're there.

Caspian looks to the other competitors and chuckles, pointing down at the axes. "oooh i recommend you all take a few steps back there is no telling where these arrows are landing." he looks at the target, gives a gentle snort in amusement, and then shrugs. The arrows fly exactly as expected bouncing wildly off the axes. one of the arrows went spinning way up into the air. it hadn't hit the ground as the next arrow flew on. Then in a stroke of pure luck.. the falling arrow caught the next arrow mid flight! diverted the arrow spun off the wayward path Caspian had sent it and instead flew straight through the axe heads to bury itself, just barely, into the target, near center. Caspian stood, mouth agape in sheer amazement at his own luck.

Vitalis closes his eyes, breathes a moment, then opens his eyes and sights down range, knocking arrows by feel, he settles into an impressive rhythm - impressive for how smoothly he reaches and draws and... TING! PANG! PICK-ANG! TOK. Oh! Vitalis perks, that last shot was almost only poor! Fabulous! He grimaces and shakes his head, grinning, looking to where the scores are being tallied. He wasn't paying much attention to the other shooters.

As they all turn their attention to the row of axes, Mia blinks once, then blinks again, before murmuring something under her breath that's almost entirely unintelligible and yet is very, very clearly swearing. Amused swearing, but swearing all the same, and that's obvious whatever someone's native tongue might be. But then she shakes her head the once and lines up her first shot, missing wide. Her arrow thuds true -- right into the wooden handle of one of the axes. Narrowing her eyes again, she considers where it landed and corrects her shot, but not enough. So close. And so close! And so close! "Ahhhh, damn," she mutters at the end of her round.

Raven watches from a safer distance, squinting a bit between gulps of rum.

Desma clearly was feeling the weight of pressure upon her as she fires five times. Two make it through. Two ricochet off the axes partway through and the last doesn't even hit the axes. She squints, glaring at the targets before she announces, "I need more practice."

Edris applauds for each arrow that makes it through. He whistles once more for Deva's first successful shot, but then is on the edge of the stairs--quite literally--for the miss and then the glass-flinging shot. That whistle returns as the princess makes it through the next two times. And he can't help but smile as misses most of his shots, but makes up for it with the one spectacular one, shaking his head. Expect nothing less than flair from a Champion!

Bahiya tilts her head at Patrizio's comment, her smile bright and a little distracted; she has an aide murmuring the outcomes in her ear. "What was that? Oh ... forgive me please," she demures to the Pravus prince. She clears her throat and listens to the final shots.

Edris has left the upper rafters.

The whole even, Bahiya was given a play-by-play by the aide at her side, and after that amazing, exciting last round, she waits until the very last archer makes their attempt before shooting to her feet, applauding with all the enthusiasm of a child.

"WELL DONE!" she cries. "Oh, that was so exciting. In the lead this evening we have Mistress Daria Mandragora, Lord Pasquale Malesporo, Lady Desma Magnotta!" She applauds them again along with the throng of people. "Fabulously done, indeed, yes! We will have to wait for the second half of the tournament to see if any of you are ousted from the top three positions. It is the top three that will be awarded the exotic trade goods of ivory, steelsilk, and fireweave, as well as the exquisite knives."

She turns to the crowded Hart, raises her arms. "Arx! Your generous competitors! We owe them for this fine night of entertainment!"

When the roars and praise dim a little, she says, "Please, enjoy yourselves and enjoy our refreshments and food, and celebrate your countrymen! Thank you, all of you for such fine sport!"

It doesn't escape Teodoro's observation that Ripley seems a little down in the dumps. The Whisper watches while Mia and the ginger Thornburn exchange some words, and though he's not straight out staring, he sees enough to surmise that perhaps the marquessa was trying to spare some bolstering words. There's a brief twitch of a smile gracing his lips as he goes back to watching arrows meeting their mark, the expression falling as he applauds gently.

Erik looks quite pleased with the results and his wager, offering his commentary sotto voce at the bar with the critical expertise only those can truly display that do not compete.

"Truer words never spoken, sir. The more we help the better. To be true, I am so glad for this. So grateful," Valencia smiles back and nods earnestly to Patrizio. "I am glad we can help. Thank you," she offers gently, a little smile at those who are taking to the stands in spirited competition. "I adore that the Ambassador thought to host something for our archers. It makes me wonder what other find events and fund raisers she has in mind," she notes as the event rolls on around them.

Deva is overheard praising Bahiya: A smoothly run event for an important cause!

Ripley is overheard praising Bahiya.

Renata is overheard praising Bahiya: Wonderful events as always!

Wash is overheard praising Caspian.

Wash is overheard praising Valencia.

Wash is overheard praising Bahiya.

Desma is overheard praising Daria.

Renata is overheard praising Daria.

Renata is overheard praising Desma.

Renata is overheard praising Caspian.

Caspian is overheard praising Valencia: Another marvelous event hosted to help the poor and those in need! the kindness and good you do inspires us all

Renata is overheard praising Valencia.

Raven is overheard praising Valencia: Anyone who doesn't love her is an idiot. Valencia's place the Golden Hart is my favorite place in the city.

Tikva is overheard praising Bahiya: What a great archery competition! I loved playing. Those axes were terrifying!

Caspian is overheard praising Bahiya.

Pasquale is overheard praising Daria.

At Patrizio's comment of making the donation regardless, Nazmir is lifting his glass in a salute to the other Prince, only to then turn his attention towards Deva, to call out, "Well done, Cousin! You did far better then I could have!" A glance then to Renata, smile on his lips, "Another wonderful event."

Pasquale is overheard praising Bahiya.

Wash is overheard praising Catalana.

Bahiya is overheard praising Pasquale.

Bahiya is overheard praising Desma.

Bahiya is overheard praising Daria.

Bahiya is overheard praising Deva.

Bahiya is overheard praising Caspian.

Bahiya is overheard praising Vitalis.

"It was challenging for sure Lady Desma. Gives me idea on how to improve my practice," Daria replies, offering a courtsey to the audience before she finds herself a seat

Bahiya is overheard praising Haakon.

Bahiya is overheard praising Ripley.

Bahiya is overheard praising Mia.

Bahiya is overheard praising Tikva.

"That was fun," Deva asides to Tikva, smiling at the Grayson as she gathers her belongings and the pride she left on the floor somewhere. She seems to be in better spirits now after talking herself through something. "Got some things to work on, as always," she salutes Nazmir.

Renata is overheard praising Ripley.

Haakon raises his bow in short salute toward Bahiya (even if she can't see it) and again toward the three victors of the day. He recovers his last arrows and unstrings the bow, muttering a few low words to Medeia with a wry curl to his lip.

When Bahiya announces them to the audience, Vitalis dutifuly turns and lifts his hand. He puffs out a breath, saying aside to Desma, "You?" He laughs, "I think we may have found our instructors, though." He nods at Pasquale, Daria, and Desma.

Mia is overheard praising Bahiya.

"I too am wondering what's to come next, but that should have to wait until after the second half of the event, I think," agrees Patrizio to what Valencia's said, as he's applauding the actions of those out on the sands. Though there's another laugh when he hears Nazmir, and he turns his head. "I think this sounds like something we ought have, perhaps, your highness," he offers with a grin. "Princes who know not what they're doing with arrows /might/ be a hint dangerous... or demand strong drink. As an evening out."

Renata is overheard praising Nazmir: The best event date ever!

It's done. This part of it. There's others who will be taking their part in the tournament for for now, Ripley's just dropping his bow where he stands and turning away from the arena grounds. A pair of fingers go to his mouth and he gives a whistle which brings Toad running to his side. He slips a hand into the leash and heads out, a look to the stands to see the hecklers and then gone.

Toad, a flippity-floppity smoosh-face of a Keaton Hound leaves, following Ripley.

Edris makes his way to the bottom of the rafters, pausing once to have quiet words with a passing server, before moving towards where some of the archers are still packing up their things. He approaches Deva, speaking quietly to her, once she makes her way out of that area.

Catalana almost sneaks in, the first time she's been found without an array of guards. Lookng around, she surely shouldn't need any. Spotting the couple of Kennexs she gives flicks of waves as she makes her way to the table near the ring.

Catalana has joined the ringside table.

Mia reaches up to brush her dark hair back out of her eyes, tucking a few strands that have strayed from her long braid back where they belong. A bow is offered to the lingering competitors, to Bahiya as their hostess, and then she's slinging her bow back over her shoulder and scanning the crowd for familiar faces.

Renata applauses all the people who competed before looking to Nazmir, "Yes, always a good time honestly." she smiles softly, before finishing off her wine. "I suppose I shall chalk up my 200,000 silver." The princess chuckles before giving a little shrug. "Always to a good cause however. And that's what matters."

Blush has left the upper rafters.

Mark has left the upper rafters.

Cinder, a tall and elegant sighthound with lustrous black fur leaves, following Mark.

Mark leaves, following Blush.

Wash is relaxing with a glass of wine at the table, one foot up on the railing around the arena. Catalana's presence, when he notices it causes a bright smile, and the tension in his shoulders melts away. Why was there even any tension there in the first place?

An aide rushes to her side, and Bahiya is listening. "Oh!" says the diplomat, prompty going red. She raises her arms to quiet the throng.

"Forgive me! It appears we have a double tie. Unless it's broken, we will have a third tournament to figure out who the top three champions are. Lady Desma, please forgive me," and the Eurusi woman bows in Desma's general direction. "The tie is between Lord Pasquale and Lady Daria, and the second place tie is between Marquessa Mia, and Princess Tikva. In the second tournament, if you are ousted we will inform you, but if you remain tied we will host a tie-breaking event to claim the top three archers."

Pasquale says "Thank you for hosting a challenging contest Ambassador."

Desma checks composure at hard. Desma fails.

Finishing his wine, Nazmir sets the empty glass on the table as he gives a nod of his head towards Renata. Motioning to his assistant, he passes off a pouch of silver, along with a note, so that it can be delivered and then he's looking back to Renata, "Well, if one is going to lose three hundred thousand silver, this is certainly the way to do it."

Deva gives the hosts and the competitors some applause, smiles, and quietly dips out with Edris when an arm is offered.

Vitalis packs away his bow and moves off to speak with the hostess. He awaits announcement for the woman, busy with running the event and when she's got a moment, "Lord Vitalis," he murmurs, to share his position, "Thank you for hosting this, Ambassador. I wouldn't have missed it. I wish I could say as much for targets." He bows and withdraws, there are refreshments, yes? He makes like an arrow to find them. An arrow fired by someone not him.

Daria winces at being called a Lady and sinks into her chair. "Um, well I erm am just Daria, Captain at most," she murmers softly

Ian's dark mood seems to have eased a little bit over the course of the event; the drinking he's been doing is probably at least partially to blame. Not that he's gotten even remotely near to crossing the line to 'cheerful' or anything, but he's at least approaching his usual flat neutrality. He nods to Catalana when she approaches.

Edris offers Deva a quiet smile, resting his hand over hers very briefly as she takes his arm, and then he turns to see them both out.

Avalanche, a fluffy mountain pup, Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, 2 Redrain Guards, 1 Redrain Veteran Guards leave, following Deva.

Deva leaves, following Edris.

Caspian sits at the table, holding a class of ice to the stinging red mark on his cheek

There is a twinkle of ocean colored eyes as Renata looks to Nazmir, "You know, your more then likely to be broke by being around me. All your money going to charity." there is a slight snicker under her breath as she teases the northern prince.

Catalana smiles with clear amusement at Wash's demeanour but her questions to the table instead. "How is everyone? And are there any clear favorites tonight?" Looking to the ring, she deflates the tiniest bit, "No knocked out nobles?"

Mia blinks a few times as her name is unexpectedly called and the correction is issued, distracting her from whatever -- or whoever -- it is she might've been looking for. A soft 'mmmmmm' comes from her at the announcement and then she moves over to the Champions' table, approaching Bahiya's aid rather rather than the Ambassador herself. She leans in, murmuring something to them.

Mia mutters, "Please tell ... ... ... I can ... my place in the ... ... ... will ... her ... save face or resolve any dispute ... the ... contestant."

There's a quick chuckle given in the direction of Renata, only for Nazmir to offer up, "Yes, well, that just means I'll have to make more, I suppose. And I can't really argue about donating money to charity, not when there are such worthy causes." A quick smile and then a little murmur.

Raven offers a wave to Vitalis, Caspian, Daria, and other competitors she knows as things wind down and there's no longer actively a hazard in distrating them.

Once she's heard what Haakon had to say, Medeia gave a nod and then quietly made her way out of the Arena.

Klavdiya, who is definitely a handmaiden and not a reaver, 2 Eswynd shieldbearers, Loryk, a cocky but amiable reaver leave, following Medeia.

Katarina has left the upper rafters.

A dutiful Valardin aide leaves, following Katarina.

Desma had still not been happy with her performance but when her name was called out as third, she allowed herself a smile of triumph and and was congratulating Daria when the correction was announced. Desma's face falls and she kicks at the floor in annoyance. "I should've practiced more," she grizzles to Daria

"If we are turning this into a sip and spar, I'm all for it." Wash anhoounces. "But I'm going to need a LOT more alcohol."

Nazmir does turn his attention to Patrizio, having heard his comment and there's a quick grin that's offered, "I couldn't agree more, Your Highness." Now, there's a hint of a grin to his lips and he's rising from the table, only to offer his arm to Renata in the process.

Erik, with a two fingered salute to the contestants, departs from the bar, and finds his way to mingle with other people, only to vanish in the crowd.

Someone comes to Ian with another message, and this one is apparently enough to draw him away from his drink, and away from the good company.

Ian has left the ringside table.

Valencia smiles again to Patrizio and applauds along with one and all as the winners are called. "Seeing such happiness will always make me smile I think," she offers softly aside. "I think I shall say a thousand thank yous before the end of this night," she smiles again warmly.

Catalana snorts as demurely as possible at Wash, "Will you throw your knives?"

Sunaia points at Wash, "I didn't say now-now. Ian's- leaving..." See. Left.

With the event well in hand, Patrizio's now managed to snare a drink in his, from one of the hosts of the Hart, a smile on his lips when he's turning back to Valencia and Bahiya. "May the gods grant that more such good works come from all this," voices he, seriously enough, though the smile never quite fades. Wash's call for the sip'n'spar draws forth another laugh. "I think that might well be dangerous, as a follow through - though begs the question if this should be combined with my suggestion for the shooting." The dart of his jade eyes to Nazmir for the moment, when he's hearing the comment, and then he finally takes a good sip from the glass in hand.

Renata rises from the table with Nazmir taking his arm before making way to Patrizio, "It was good to see you again Cousin," The princess going to kiss his cheek, if he'd let. "I'm hoping to throw a dinner party for Pravus in due time. But perhaps we can get together sooner rather then later." she says softly, a gentle squeeze to Nazmir's arm.

Erik has left the bar.

Wash says, "As long as I get them back. Sure."

Wash wields a set of rubicund throwing knives.

Whatever words it was that Mia offered, it seems she doesn't find the face she was looking for in the crowd. There's a small sigh at that and then turns to exit the arena.

Pasquale offers a congratulations to Daria before turning to join his wife at the ringside table. "Well that was surprising." he offers Wash a nod of greeting. "Those axes were challenging."

Pasquale has joined the ringside table.

Teodoro turns on his seat to regard Daria, offering her a smile and a nod. "Congratulations." Then introduces himself. "Teodoro Whisper. I think we've exchanged missives? If you're the right Daria, that is." He huffs a small laugh of amusement. "If it's not you, I'm going to feel quite the fool."

Patrizio gives his cousin Renata a gentle, familial embrace when she draws close to him, and there's a chuckle. "Definitely ought to do such a thing, but you might speak with Lu - she was thinking much the same, either a dinner or a drinking thing perhaps. Something to get the family together. But don't let me keep you." There's that smile, when he's noticing how she's taken Nazmir's arm, and a dip of his head to both. "I'm about, and easy to find."